ISSUE 5 | JULY 2013

Live Together Find out what uniqueue sigsightshts areare right right in your neighbourhood!g

LIVE HAPPY LIVE GREEN MY LIFE STORY 12 Angels Next Door 16Spreading the 18Mary Bukoh’s voice Green Message from the Heartlands Live TOGETHER Contents

Guest-of-Honour and Minister for National Development Mr launching Heartland Youthoria! with HDB Heartland Ambassadors

Live TOGETHER 2 A Heartland Celebration 5 Home Run 7 Winners-Next-Door

Live WELL 8 Blast from the Past 10 More Than Just a Park

Live HAPPY 12 Angels Next Door 14 Home Improvement

Live GREEN 16 Spreading the Green Message 17 A Blueprint for Green

My LIFE STORY 18 A Voice from the Heartlands

Mr Khaw offi cially opening thee Celebrating LIFE in the Heartlandslands Photography Exhibition HDB’s mission goeses beyond building fl ats — we’re here too nurture communitiesies and dreams as wellll

~ HDB CEO DR CHEONG KOON HEAHEANN

2 a Heartland celebration

Held in May, the second annual HDB Community Week sought to spread awareness on the importance of community-building. It also showcased what residents of various estates have done to further this aim.

ore than just a to see in our heartlands. ‘L’ provider of homes, stands for ‘Let’s be Considerate MHDB prides itself as a Neighbours’, ‘I’ for ‘It’s My Town’, builder of active and cohesive ‘F’ is for ‘Friends Next Door’ and communities by launching ‘E’ for Eco@Home’. community-bonding initiatives This year’s Community in the heartlands. To that end, Week — launched on 29 May at HDB launched its inaugural the HDB Hub — aimed to reach Community Week on out to more people through 21 May 2012, with the theme events and activities that catered of “Celebrating LIFE in the to diff erent interests within the Heartlands”. “LIFE” also serves community. One such eff ort as the acronym for the values was the Celebrating LIFE in and behaviours that HDB wishes the Heartlands Photography Competition. It had both Open and Youth Categories and allowed endearing heartland stories to be told through Students havinghaving fun while photographs. The contest saw pledging to 1,194 participants submitting do their part to encourageencourage a total of 3,490 entries, with neighbourliness winning entries displayed at the Celebrating LIFE in the Heartlands Photography Exhibition. For his submission in the Youth Category, Godon Koh, 18, explored his Marsiling Drive estate extensively to uncover potential spots for striking photographs. The fi rst-year Ngee Ann Polytechnic student spotted and befriended a group of children at a playground, and asked them to pose for him. The result? A

Angie Ng charming shot of them fooling Angie Ng

os around on the monkey bars.

Photos Phot Titled Rise, this photograph won

3 Live TOGETHER

A student explaining the Multi-Sensory Art Composition to Mr Khaw

Students from Dunman High’s SLDH (Service Learning Dunman High) team, for instance, had a booth that detailed their three weeks of bringing traditional kampung games to Sengkang residents at a precinct pavilion in the estate. These included fi ve stones, spinning tops and congkak (a game involving a wooden board and seeds). “It was nice to see the young and old bonding over these games, rather than just playing iPad him the second prize. “I wanted of ’s Centre for games by themselves,” said team a shot that was reminiscent of Sustainable Asian Cities and member Anna Ang, 14. the fun I had growing up in my Department of Sociology was Also reaching out to neighbourhood, when I played also announced at the launch. heartlanders young and old is catching with my friends,” he This partnership will feature a Alicia Lim, 20, a third-year Ngee said. “It’s great to get this kind of survey that will be conducted Ann Polytechnic student who has recognition for my photo, and if I with the involvement of 2,400 been a Heartland Ambassador see those kids again, I’m going to residents living in various for two years. Her role includes buy them ice-cream!” precincts to better identify facilitating workshops on designs of communal facilities environmental responsibility with TAKING A BIGGER STEP that will aid in community primary school students and Heartwarming experiences bonding. elderly residents. “It has been like those captured by Godon very rewarding to interact with encapsulate the sense of ENGAGING THE YOUTH the residents, and it has helped community that HDB hopes Of course, strengthening to build my communication skills to inspire in its residents. community bonds is already as well,” she said. “HDB’s mission goes beyond a key feature of the various the building of fl ats — we’re activities held at Community here to nurture communities Week every year. For example,p, Students explaining their projects to Mr Khaw at the and dreams as well,” said HDB the Heartland Youthoria!outhoria! Youth Showcase CEO Dr Cheong Koon Hean at segment is the culminationculmination the launch. “We’re constantly of HDB’s eff orts to engageengage looking to provide Singaporeans youths and fosterer their with the elements of an active, interaction with residentsresidents ofof cohesive and vibrant community. all ages. Highlightshts this It’s good for all who live in our year included thehe public housing estates to step Youth Showcase,e, beyond their front door and where students become a part of the wider had booths neighbourhood.” to share their To that end, a research community collaboration between HDB engagement and the National University eff orts.

4 Mrs fl agging off the Toa Payoh teams in the Amazing Heartland Race

playground in Toa Payoh, Forfar Heights in Queenstown and Home run the Heritage Garden @ Yishun, You don’t have to jet with interesting stories behind and complete challenges like around the world to them. However, not all residents delivering groceries to elderly take in unique sights. As may be aware of the quirky and residents and giving creative these teams in this year’s historical landmarks that are suggestions for potential Amazing Heartland located right in their backyards. community programmes. Race found out, there To raise awareness of these By doing this, HDB hopes to often-overlooked gems, the imbue these residents with a are plenty right in our strong sense of identity and neighbourhoods to be Amazing Heartland Race (AHR) was launched last year in May, as pride towards their towns, as proud of. part of HDB’s inaugural annual well as encourage them to take Community Week. ownership of their communities. hether it’s a playground This year, the race saw As in last year’s race, the fi ve built in the shape teams of four to fi ve participants towns featured were Toa Payoh, Wof a dragon or road exploring the distinctive features Yishun, Queenstown, Bedok names dedicated to the British of the towns they live, work and and Jurong, with a fl ag-off held royal family, each town in play in. Teams had to visit fi ve to concurrently in each of them on Singapore has unique features seven landmarks like the dragon the morning of 1 June 2013.

READY, SET, GO! A total of 710 participants took part in this year’s AHR — a massive jump from last year’s 150. This increase was partly

g due to the new Open Category an which allowed members of the P public to sign up. The race was son only open to secondary school Wil Wilson Pang

os and tertiary institute students t previously. The teams in Toa Photos Pho Payoh were fl agged off by Guest-of-Honour, Grassroots Adviser, Mrs Josephine Teo. WinningWin team Happy “There’s a saying that home is FeetFeet from the Yishun where the heart is, and that is OpenOpe Category 5 Live TOGETHER

what HDB hopes to achieve through the AHR,” she said. “I encourage everyone to participate in the activities and create memories with your teammates and community.” The winning teams from Ex-Team Singapore each town were determined athlete Mr C Kunalan by how many tasks each could encouraging the participants at complete in the fastest time at the fl ag-off at the various stations by the end of Queenstown the four-hour race. And at some of these stations, the participants

Participants of the AHR posing for a group photo at the end of the event Dr Maliki presenting a trophy to 4=5, the winning team from Queenstown’s School Category

received a pleasant surprise WINNING WAYS all of us to our town and home, — Team Singapore athletes The top three teams from and the people who are our past and present were there to each town won trophies and neighbours.” help direct the teams in their cash vouchers of up to $500. Echoing Dr Maliki’s challenges and cheer them on. Presenting the prizes was sentiments were the fi rst prize “Events like the AHR Guest-of-Honour and Senior winners from Queenstown are good, as they inculcate Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry estate’s School Category 4=5, participants with the values of of National Development and made up of four Nanyang team spirit, competitiveness Ministry of Defence and Mayor of Technological University and cooperation,” said retired South East District Dr Mohamad students. “A highlight of the track and fi eld athlete and local . race was delivering groceries to sporting legend Mr C Kunalan. “All of you are winners today, elderly residents who live alone,” He was at the Forfar Heights for gaining new experiences said 4=5 member multipurpose Varun Govind, 27. hall to help guide What HDB is doing with this event is good, as it “They were so teams in their inculcates participants with the values of team happy to see us challenges, which when we showed included fi nding spirit, competitiveness and cooperation. ~ MR C KUNALAN up at their doors and taking a — it made us picture of the historic Princess and reinforcing ties and bonds feel really good to contribute to House building. “It’s great that with your family and friends the community that way. It has HDB has involved national through the race,” said Dr Maliki. been a truly interactive and fun athletes as it brings everyone “The AHR is not merely a race experience, and we’d love to together in the name of sports, with prizes to be won, but an come back and do this again — friendship and community. I’d opportunity to reach out to if only to defend our title!” love to be a part of this again.” fellow Singaporeans and endear

6 Winners- Next-Door 11 Singaporeans were recently recognised as role models via the Good Neighbour Award.

any from the older generation lament Mthat Singapore has lost its kampung spirit ever since people moved into HDB fl ats. But thankfully, there are some Mr with the GNA ‘heroes’ who refuse to let that Student category winners strong sense of community die. In recognition of their eff orts, residents who have touched their replace lightbulbs and fi x faulty HDB launched the annual Good neighbours in their own small taps, and also helps deliver meals Neighbour Award (GNA) in 2009. ways. These are outstanding to the housebound or disabled. 2,500 nominations for the GNA residents who have been And at 13 years old, Jurong were received this year, with 11 recognised for going the extra Secondary School student Siti nominees selected as national mile to make their neighbours’ Athirah brings in the laundry for recipients and role models day.” said Mr Lee. her neighbours when it rains for other residents. Guest-of- Of the 11 GNA national and shares her homemade Honour at this year’s ceremony recipients, fi ve were from the cookies with them during festive on 1 June, Senior Minister of Open category and six were occasions. The Jurong East State for Trade and Industry from the Student category. Two resident even volunteers to bring and National Development, recipients, Mr Chiu Chee and her younger neighbour to school Mr Lee Yi Shyan, said that many Siti Athirah, were examples of when his mother is busy. Singaporeans are caught up in how age is no barrier to having Prizes were also presented their hectic, fast-paced lives a good neighbourly attitude. to the winners of the HeartlanD and have invariably become Mr Chiu, 79, was nominated for Beat Art competition. Organised less familiar with the people his role as the neighbourhood by HDB in conjunction with the

Wilson Pang around them, even those who ‘handy-man’. The Toa Payoh GNA, the competition seeks live next door. “Today, we put Central resident is always to foster integration in the

Photos the spotlight on a few exemplary available to help his neighbours heartlands by letting students interpret the concept of neighbourliness via their KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS!RS! art. There were three top Always wanted to know your winners for the lower neighbours better but not sure primary, upper primary how to start? Let the SHINE cardsds anda secondary school lead the way! categories.c “A strong neighbourly From now till 31 August 2013, pickk spirit goes a long way in up a SHINE card from HDB Hub, cultivating a harmonious HDB Branches or Community and gracious community,” Clubs. Pen a message on the card said Mr Lee, who hoped that and give it to a neighbour! the recipients’ stories would You can also take part in the inspire others. “Each small ‘Lucky Neighbours Draw’ act of graciousness may and the ‘Let’s SHINE Neighbours Photoh t CContest’,t appear insignifi cant, but they or share items or off er neighbourly help on do add up, and before you www.blockpooling.sg/SHINE and stand to win know it, you’ve made a new shopping vouchers! friend in your neighbour.”

Scan this QR code for more details on SHINE Î

7 Live WELL

Grassroots Adviser Dr (second from left) at the Project Corridor exhibit

blast from the past The new Project Corridor initiative hopes to conserve the historical, social and cultural heritage of Bukit Panjang.

Bukit Panjang residents bonding over a f you grew up in Bukit Panjang has changed over the decades. round of Rummy-O in the 1970s, you might have In an eff ort to preserve these Icaught a movie at the Sin memories, HDB, with the Neighbourhood’s Dreams) Day Wah Theatre along Lorong Ah support of the National Archives on 31 March 2013, as an initiative Thia. The theatre, which was of Singapore, has set up the in support of the Bukit Panjang also used to hold children's Project Corridor website. Current residents’ call to retain their singing contests apart from the and previous residents of Bukit estate’s heritage and memories. usual movie screenings, was Panjang can upload photos These pictures will then be demolished in the 1980s. If you of their fondest memories used in the production of an had moved to the art installation in Bukit area more recently, Panjang which is slated you might have "I’m happy that HDB wants to to be completed later this glimpsed the Youth know about what we’d like to year. Residents, art schools Olympic Flame being see improved and included in the and art organisations will paraded through the be involved in the co- neighbourhood on coming NRP. I’m ex cited to see creation of the installation. its way to Republic which of our ideas will take shape." Polytechnic in ~ FAJAR ROAD RESIDENT MDM SHARON HO COMMUNITY August 2010. INVOLVEMENT Recollections Project Corridor is a such as these emphasise Bukit on this website, which was result of the BOND! project, Justin Loh Panjang’s signifi cant milestones, offi cially launched at the Bukit where Fajar Road, Saujana Road

as well as show how the estate Panjang BOND! (Building Our and Bukit Panjang Ring Road Photos

8 residents were this feedback, we can work and stairwells. consulted on on providing for our residents. Being presented with an the facilities and And with Project Corridor, we opportunity to bond was also programmes they hope to build a connection a bonus for some residents as would like to have between the old and young almost half of the participants in their estate. The within the estate. You need to got to know their neighbours results of these know your past to appreciate and strike up friendships at this consultations your present.” fun-fi lled event. “This has been were showcased Nine in 10 residents involved a fun experience as there was on BOND! Day, in the earlier engagements felt plenty to see and do,” said Fajar with preliminary that the plans fulfi lled their ideas. Road resident Mdm Sharon Ho, results like Moreover, seven in 10 residents who is in her 60s. “But more the draft who attended BOND! Day importantly, I’m happy that perspectives of looked forward to the upcoming HDB wants to know about what the improvements activities and improvement we’d like to see improved and under the works in their neighbourhood. included in the coming NRP. I’m Neighbourhood “I am glad that HDB is seeking excited to see which of our ideas Renewal my feedback on how satisfi ed will take shape.” Programme I am with my immediate living (NRP) on display. environment, including my Dr Teo presents a prize hamper to Residents also precinct’s facilities, activities a lucky draw got a chance and neighbourly ties, so as to winner to sign up for improve our overall HDB living the various experience”, said Mr Tan Hock programmes borne out of the Ann, a participant in the consultations, one of which was BOND! Survey. Project Corridor. “We hope to strengthen FUN FOR EVERYONE the ‘heartware’ of the The 500 or so residents neighbourhood using present at BOND! such initiatives,” said Day “warmed up” Grassroots Adviser at the event Dr Teo Ho Pin with a brisk in his welcome walking-cum- address. “With litter-picking competition. TIME CAPSULE They also Do you have a special memory Residents fi nd out of your time living in Bukit more about the joined their diff erent exhibits A Bukit Panjang resident neighbours Panjang? Share it with us! featured in Project participating in activities You can upload photos of old Corridor at a booth in games and activities that landmarks from the town, or promoted healthier donate memorabilia unique heartland living, one of to it, like a report book from the top three interests identifi ed Zhenghua Primary School, by the Bukit Panjang residents. for instance. These ranged from cooking For more information on demonstrations of dishes like how to contribute, visit the brown rice porridge to teaching Project Corridor website at residents how to play tile-based www.projectcorridor.sg mental health game Rummy-O to stimulate their minds. Residents also enjoyed a light- hearted skit that highlighted the fact that smoking is now banned in HDB void decks, corridors

9 Live WELL

There is something for everyone at the multiple facilities of Firefl y Park

More than just a park Get to know two special neighbourhood industry towards parks nestled in our HDB estates. more environmentally-friendly buildings and give recognition to buildings and structures that are environmentally-sustainable. t is believed that ‘parks are Greenwood Sanctuary @ the lungs of a city’, and there Admiralty (BCA Green Mark COMMUNITY MEETING Iis much truth to that. Plants — New Parks, Certifi cation GROUND reduce carbon dioxide in the air Award) are both Green Mark- Firefl y Park was designed to and produce additional oxygen certifi ed parks. The Green give the community a place that through photosynthesis. On Mark scheme was launched is relaxing and enjoyable for top of creating oxygen, a park in 2005 by the Building and residents of all ages. Located that is full of lush trees and Construction Authority (BCA) to between Clementi Avenue 4 shrubbery can also provide some drive Singapore's construction and Avenue 6, the park is within much-needed greenery walking distance of Clementi and communal facilities to MRT station and provides a ‘soften’ an urban landscape. spot of greenery amid the HDB There are two particular estate of Clementi Central. The parks developed by HDB park itself is separated into three that not only serve as 'lungs’ zones — the Aromatic Terraces of our city' and beautify Garden, the Tactile Open Lawn the surroundings, but also and the Singing Forest — and provide residents with a each of these caters to unique space for exercise, relaxation activities. and community bonding. The Aromatic Terraces

Firefl y Park @ Clementi Garden is a set of low walls and Wilson Pang (BCA Green Mark — New ramps that serve as an entry into

Parks, Gold Award) and A retro playground for the modern child the park and houses displays Photos

10 of beautiful fl owers and herbs. is great because it is relaxing in the ground around the There is a covered multipurpose and a beautiful place for an park. This combination of a area within the Tactile Open evening walk”. functional drainage system Lawn for community activities, with a beautiful natural feature while the Singing Forest houses ECO-FRIENDLY, earned the park an ABC Waters children’s play areas as well as EDUCATIONAL AND Certifi cate. fi tness stations. These features ENGAGING Mornings at were introduced as the result Neighbourhood Greenwood of consultations held with parks can also be Sanctuary are community leaders during more than just when you can the design stages of the park's about scenery see children at construction to ensure that — for example, the playground, its facilities meet the needs of Greenwood elderly residents the residents. Sanctuary is a taking brisk The park is a popular place. great destination walks and The sight of many children for fi eld trips, with professionals having fun at the play areas students from the getting an early or participating in games like nearby Greenwood workout. The learning football or hide-and-seek is Primary School visiting zone is designed for evidence of that. The fi tness it to learn more about nature. educational purposes and has stations as well as a long, scenic The park, located behind the been adopted by Greenwood walking track within the 15,000 school at Woodlands Drive 62, Primary School as an outdoor sqm park lets residents enjoy was designed as an Eco-Nature learning classroom. This corner a decent workout or take a park with forest, learning, is also very popular among leisurely stroll. leisure and fi tness zones. On the residents. ”The design is Madam Subam, a 62 year- top of the BCA Green Mark very much like a real forest, old retiree who stays at nearby award, Greenwood Sanctuary’s and spending mornings here Block 202, said, “I think the park water-sensitive design has also makes me feel like I’m at a been recognised by the PUB nature resort,” says Madam as an Active, Beautiful, Clean Ooi, a 56 year-old housewife "Th e design (ABC) water feature. Instead of who lives nearby at Woodlands of Greenwood concrete drains, rainwater is Drive 75. Sanctuary is very collected by tanks stored much like a real forest and mornings here makes me feel like I'm at a nature resort" ~ WOODLANDS RESIDENT, MDM OOI

Greenwood Sanctuary – a scenic oasis right in the heartlands

11 Live HAPPY angels nex t door Two recipients of the Good Neighbour Award (GNA) show how they keep the spirit of neighbourliness alive and well.

others of my age greatly, and so I decided to teach it to as many of my neighbours as possible.” Starting an exercise group for seniors is a noble task, but that is not all that Mdm Moo has done. The group gave her the opportunity to build a circle of close friends in the community. As such, even though some neighbours have stopped attending sessions, Mdm Moo still keeps them in the loop by organising birthday parties for The humble Mdm Moo has been them and current members as recognised for her well. “She keeps a record of the contributions members' birthdays and even bakes a cake personally for such A HUMBLE LEADER elderly residents, Mdm Moo occasions,” says Mdm Angelina If you ask Madam Jennifer got some neighbours involved Tan Swee Eng, a long-time Moo Yet Chin about her recent and started the Dover Exercise neighbour and good friend of Good Neighbour Award (Open Group. Every Tuesday and Mdm Moo, who nominated her Category) she will tell you that Thursday, Mdm Moo leads them for this year’s GNA. she does not regard herself in this recreational Mdm Moo also as particularly worthy of that activity and helps organises ‘potluck’ accolade. Her deeds, however, develop bonds "Dover Clos e brunches at the speak a lot louder than her words. among members. East is privileged void deck of her Most 72 year-olds would be The group now block to celebrate content to spend their golden consists of 15 ladies to have such Chinese New years simply relaxing, but not who live in the area. a gem in its Year, National Day Mdm Moo. Three years ago, the “When I fi rst and Christmas, Dover Close East resident, who learnt this exercise, community!" and invites all has lived in the estate for more I found that it ~ MDM ANGELINA TAN, ON HER her neighbours than 30 years, learnt a dance kept my body NEIGHBOUR MDM JENNIFER MOO to join in. On top exercise that has been specially- limber. At the same of all this, the

tailored for the elderly during a time it wasn't too tiring,” says mother of two also organises Wilson Pang church trip to Taiwan. Thinking Mdm Moo. “It seemed to me cooking classes. “Sometimes

that this would benefi t her fellow that the exercise would benefi t during potluck parties, we'd Photos

12 share recipes. From there, we Korean boybands and her main bake cookies, cakes and biscuits eventually ended up holding worry is about her grades. But to share with them. This act of ‘cooking classes’, where we this 13 year-old Jurong West generosity is not restricted to show one another how to resident is a special person festive occasions though, for she prepare a particular dish,” she indeed; she's proof that you can has been known to bake goodies says. “I open up my kitchen as a never be too young to go the for her neighbours just to cheer 'classroom' for whoever is keen distance for your neighbours. them up. to share.” “Siti Athirah is a cheerful and This Secondary 1 student For all her accomplishments, friendly girl who readily extends at Jurong Secondary School Mdm Moo feels that what she help to those shows a maturity has done pales in comparison who are in need. beyond her age, so to the acts of her neighbours. She plays with "I've always much so that her “When my daughter was ill, her neighbours' taught Siti neighbours trust they came together to help. children at the her to babysit their They cooked for us and helped park, shares her to treat our children and bring with our chores. A few of them, toys with them neighbours them to school. “I'm including Angelina, even visited and even helps very proud of Siti, my daughter in hospital on them with their like our own and also grateful my behalf so that I could rest homework,” family, and am to my neighbours at home,” she recalls. “I'm says Nur Eshal, who have helped very grateful for having such her next-door glad that she take care of her neighbours and I just try neighbour, who has taken that in the past,” says to give back.” nominated her Mdm Waheeda. “I've Despite her humility, Mdm for the award. lesson to heart" always taught her to Moo’s eff orts have clearly been “She picks up litter ~ MDM WAHEEDA, SITI'S MOTHER treat our neighbours recognised by her neighbours. along the common like our own family, Says Mdm Tan, “Dover Close corridor and when and am glad that she East is privileged to have such a it rains, she will help to bring in has taken that lesson to heart.” gem in its community!” the neighbour’s laundry.” Siti however feels that it For Siti Athirah’s neighbours, is natural for her to treat her GENEROSITY COMES the Hari Raya season is a great neighbours well. “I've never NATURALLY time indeed. This is when Siti, thought about doing things in On thethe surface,surface, SitiSiti AthirahAthirah together with her order to be a ‘good neighbour’. seems no diff erent from other mother, Mdm Rather, I fi nd it fun to help and teenage girls. She's a fan of Waheeda, will interact with them,” she says. Both Mdm Moo and Siti,

Siti Athirah ((left)left) and Nur Eshal are along with the other national googoodd neighbours and friends recipients, received a trophy and cash vouchers at the Good Neighbour Award ceremony that took place at the HDB Hub Auditorium on 1 June 2013 in recognition of their eff orts. For the rest of us, it is certainly heartwarming to know that there are individuals around who can inspire us to become better neighbours ourselves.

For more heart- warming stories from the other GNA recipients, visit www.hdb.gov.sg/ heartlandbeat

13 Live HAPPY

DB has been a strong supporter of sustainable Hliving by incorporating more eco-conscious features into its housing estates. A perfect example of this is its fi rst eco- precinct, Treelodge@Punggol. This estate has environmentally- friendly fi xtures like solar panels on the roofs of its blocks of fl ats, as well as centralised chutes for recyclables in every block. However, you don’t have to stay in such an estate in order for your home to be eco-friendly. To do his part for the environment, aviation industry executive Kenneth Chan home improvement According to Bishan resident Kenneth Chan, all it takes are some minor adjustments in your home to make a major — and positive — impact on the environment.

took the initiative to give his dangerous chemicals, I learnt 5-room fl at in Bishan Street 24 to be more conscious of how a few eco-friendly tweaks. they were applied and disposed “Being environmentally- of. As a result, I became conscious was a mindset that more thoughtful about how evolved from my time in the the environment around me cleaning industry fi ve years was aff ected.” ago,” says Kenneth, 32, who Here’s a look at some of the moved into his fl at in late-June considerations and installations this year with his 34 year-old Kenneth made to give his home wife. “Because I had to handle an eco-friendly edge:

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION “When looking for a fl at, I felt that it was important to fi nd one which had a balcony which didn’t face the east or west. This was to ensure that the sun wouldn’t shine into the

home directly and turn it into a ‘furnace’. We Wilson Pang save on electricity too, as we don't have to turn

1 on the air-conditioning.” Photos

14 LET THERE BE LIGHT “We installed LED lightbulbs wherever we could. Using them results in a lot of "Being 3 energy savings as these lights environmentally- consume 80 per cent less energy and have a longer conscious was lifespan compared a mindset that to incandescent evolved from lightbulbs.” my time in the cleaning industry fi ve years ago" ~ KENNETH CHAN

ALL DECKED OUT “For the decking on the balcony, I went with a wood-plastic composite instead of 100 per cent natural wood. The composite is made of recycled plastic and wood fi bres and is very durable. And because of this combination of materials, 4 it’s more resistant to rot.”

SEAL OF APPROVAL “When purchasing the washing machine and MIRROR, MIRROR, refrigerator, we made sure ON THE WALL 5 to buy those with “The mirror that spans Energy Labels that the breadth of a wall have at least three in the living room ticks. This means 2 serves two purposes these appliances — it makes the room look more have a ‘Very Good’ spacious and also fl oods it with energy effi ciency natural light. We don’t have to rating and low energy turn on the lights in the hall consumption.” till about 7pm, and this saves electricity in the process.”

15 Live GREEN spreading the

green message Punggol Gardens residents received important eco-living tips from the Heartland Ambassadors, right at their doorsteps.

ince October 2010, more than 1,300 primary, secondary and tertiary S Heartland Ambassadors school students around eagerly sharing tips with Singapore have made the pledge a resident to be Heartland Ambassadors. They’ve taken on the challenge blocks in the estate. to help nurture responsible Punggol Gardens behaviour among HDB residents resident Shi Wen, — like not cluttering common who works in the residential spaces or placing banking sector, items like potted plants on was pleasantly ledges. They also dish out eco- surprised to fi nd friendly tips such as ways to save are spreading awareness on these budding eco-warriors energy and water, and how to important eco-friendly habits,” at her door. “Tips on using reuse unwanted materials. she said. “From this experience, energy-saving lightbulbs and With this mission in we hope that they will become electrical appliances with an mind, some 300 Heartland role models for living in energy effi ciency rating of at Ambassadors from Punggol the heartlands that others least three ticks were useful,” Secondary School assembled can follow.” said the 31 year-old. “I think it’s at Punggol Gardens on 20 These home visits are part great to have kids participate April 2013, ready to spread of the Heartland Ambassador in the Heartland Ambassador their message to the estate’s Programme and are dubbed Programme. They were residents by visiting their HAV.U? (Heartland Ambassadors keen and professional, homes and sharing tips. Joining Visiting U). The students broke and their parents should them was Grassroots Adviser up into groups to cover 18 be proud of them.“ Ms Penny Low. “Besides connecting with the residents of their estate, these youths AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW 6 Keep corridorsors titidydy 10 tips for aspiring and clutter-free-free Heartland Ambassadors. 7 Have more pplantslants in your home ttoo cool 1 Be friendly to your and beautifyy it neighbours 8 Reduce, Reuseuse and

2 Resolve diff erences Recycle k c amicably 9 Use energy-saving 3 Keep your noise level at lightbulbs and energy- home low effi cient electrical Shutterstock 4 Participate in community appliances activities 10 Install water thimbles in all

5 Do not place objects like taps and showerheads at Wilson Pang potted plants on ledges Grassroots Adviser Ms Penny Low thanking home to save water Photo illustration the Heartland Ambassadors for their eff ort Photos

16 Shuqun Secondary School students showing Ms their dream garden a blueprint for green Students shared their vision of an ideal community garden at HDB’s Greenprint outreach at Jurong East.

huqun Secondary School Club had been asked to create students were given a drawings of their dream gardens, WHAT IS THE Schance to showcase their and selected pieces were put GREENPRINT ideas for community gardens on on display, including one by PROGRAMME? 23 March 2013 at the void deck a group made up of two of Block 240, Jurong East Secondary 2 boys and two The programme aims to Street 21. Secondary 4 girls. transform Yuhua into an This, and the opportunity “My garden has kangkong, eco-friendly neighbourhood to register for an Eco Learning pandan, roses and orchids with features like: Journey to Punggol, Singapore’s which can be sold to raise funds 1 Roof-top solar panels fi rst Eco-Town, or to be part for the less-fortunate,” said to power common area of the Heartland Ambassador Mohamed Danial, 14. For the lights and lifts Programme, were part of girls, it was more important to 2 LED lights at outdoor HDB's outreach to residents have a garden that was both areas and motion sensors on the Greenprint programme pretty and practical. “Having at little-used areas colourful vegetables like chillies for Yuhua. 3 Tanks at void decks to and broccoli, as well as fl owers, Guest-of-Honour and collect rainwater for will help the garden look nice,” Grassroots Adviser Ms Grace cleaning purposes Fu was also on hand to said Jurong East resident Cheryl 4 The Pneumatic Refuse explain to the residents what Ming, 16. Collection System the Greenprint programme, The students’ contributions (PRCS) which brings an HDB initiative to install will not be limited to their art. waste from fl ats environmentally-sustainable The actual community garden, directly to a common features in housing precincts, located at Block 232 Jurong East collection centre entailed. “When it comes to Street 21 and just beside Shuqun being environmentally-friendly, Secondary School, will be 5 Recycling bins at education is very important, handed over to them and their every block, linked to and I am very excited to involve schoolmates, who — along with the PRCS Shuqun Secondary School volunteers from the community students in the project,” she said. — will be responsible for its upkeep. The garden’s eventual layout will be the result of a Lawrence Lim ENVISIONING THE FUTURE Students from Shuqun co-creation eff ort between the

Photos Secondary’s Environmental students and residents.

17 My LIFE STORY A voice from the heartlands

As far as Capital 95.8FM radio DJ Mary Bukoh is concerned, you can take the girl out of the kampung, but you can’t take the kampung spirit out of her!

Mary (fi rst row, second from right) with family and relatives at a gathering in their Jurong West fl at o say that DJ Mary Bukoh is a familiar Tvoice on Chinese- language radio is a bit of an understatement. Having started out with radio station Y.E.S. 93.3FM in 1997, and then making the switch to Capital 95.8FM in January 2012, Mary standing proud in front of the fl at she's called home for the last the 39 year-old — voted 30 years Y.E.S. 93.3FM’s Friendliest DJ at the annual Singapore Radio Awards in 2005 and 2007 — possesses an government acquired the aff able personality that has made land we lived on in 1983, we her wildly popular with fans. moved here. We were one of Having to interact with countless our block’s fi rst residents. So listeners for 16 years might leave growing up in the heartlands one a little weary, but not Mary; has helped me relate to my she still greets each caller with listeners, as most of them the warmth and welcome of a are heartlanders too — we close friend. share the same concerns and She credits this ability to feelings about living in an connect with her audience to HDB estate.” Mary (extreme left, in pink) with her siblings and the fact that she has lived in cousins posing with their grandmother an HDB estate since the age EASY LIVING of nine. “We used to stay in a Mary has many fond memories kampung at Lorong Serambi, off of growing up in a kampung, like to an HDB estate came with its Lim Chu Kang Road,” says Mary, the wide open spaces that she share of advantages as well. “It who shares the 5-room fl at in played in with her neighbours was a lot easier getting to school

Jurong West Street 52 with her and picking fresh fruits like as there was a bus stop a few Chia Kelvin parents and one of her three guavas and rambutans off trees. minutes’ walk away, and because

older brothers. “But when the However, she feels that moving our fl at is on the 19th fl oor, we Photos

18 The vintage dresser in Mary's room is just one of the reminders of her kampung childhood

have a great view of spirit, something the Chinese Garden,” they've tried to she says. “And back in promote in their our kampung house, neighbourhood. the toilet was in an A clear sign outhouse — you had to of this is their cross a small courtyard relationship with to get to it, and going their neighbours, at night was scary especially Aunty because it was so dark. Susan next door, What really freaked me whom Mary and out would be suddenly her family have seeing a frog in the grown close to as bathroom!” they moved into The many the block around amenities within the same time. for you — if you’re cooking and walking distance of her “If my mum makes curry are out of soy sauce, sugar or Jurong home make life chicken, it will be a huge salt, you only need to knock on more convenient as portion, and she always gives their door to get some instead of well. There’s a hawker some to her,” says Mary. “And having to go down to the store. centre and market because Aunty Susan celebrates Or if you need someone to help across the road that makes Christmas, my brothers and I look after your home and keep it easy to shop for groceries used to receive presents from your newspapers while you’re and grab a bite to eat. And her when we were kids. On away, they’re the people you can getting around Singapore is one Christmas holiday when I depend on.” "Growing up in the heartlands has helped Catch Mary Bukoh on Capital 95.8FM from Monday to Friday, me relate to my listeners, as mos t of them 9am to 12pm. are heartlanders too" ~ MARY BUKOH easy — Lakeside MRT is only a was around 11 years old, Mary (extreme left, in blue) with her family in their Jurong 10-minute walk from her home, Aunty Susan and her West fl at in a picture from the and if she’s driving, the AYE and family even brought me early-1990s PIE are only a few minutes away. along to a party at their relative’s place.” LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR For new families You can fi nd mementos of moving into their fl ats, Mary’s kampung days around Mary has some words the fl at, like a dresser in her of advice. “New owners bedroom that was from the old should be open to house. But according to her, one getting to know their of her family’s most valuable neighbours,” she says. keepsakes is the kampung “Neighbours will be there

19 Life Storeys is a bi-annual publication by Housing & Development Board. Published by MediaCorp Pte Ltd Caldecott Broadcast Centre Andrew Road, Singapore 299939

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Copyright is held by the publishers. Printed by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd

Editorial Advisers: Director, Policy & Planning Leong Wai Han Executive Community Relations Manager Jean Wee

Editorial: Publishing Consultant MediaCorp Pte Ltd Senior Editor Agatha Koh Brazil Supervising Editors Ronald Rajan, Amir Ali Have a story to tell? Associate Creative Director Augustine Tan Send us your best experiences Writers Gene Khor, Alex Ngai Designers Neo Aik Sing, Patricia Fong with your neighbours or Business Relationship Manager Sheila Ng your feedback to Contributors Kelvin Chia, Wilson Pang, Angie Ng, Justin Loh, Lawrence Lim, Hong Xinyi [email protected]